Mission Taco Joint to change name after trademark lawsuit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The popular West Coast street food concept in Kansas City, Mission Taco Joint, will change its name in the next few months after a trademark lawsuit.

Mission Taco will be changing its name to Session Taco.

The news comes after Mission Taco Joint was sued for trademark infringement by Gruma Corporation, the parent company of Mission Foods, for the word “mission” in their name in 2023.

The name Session Taco aligns with the original ethos of Mission Taco Joint, which was inspired by the owners and brothers Adam and Jason Tilford’s childhood growing up in Southern California.

“Session represents a lot of things we love – skate sesh, surf sesh, jam sesh – all approachable, laidback, fun, and connective experiences, and that’s how we want our guests to feel too,” Adam Tilford said

“Jason is also going to be bringing some of those beachside vibes to our menu as well.”

There are eight locations across St. Louis and Kansas City and over 500 employees.

The brothers decided to turn the unfortunate news into an opportunity to refresh their menu and recommit to service and a family-friendly, according to a news release.

Session Taco will also have a new look. Guests will start to see new menus, merchandise, glassware, signage, and more, with a full rollout by the end of the year.

Session Taco’s new menu will start in the Kansas City market this week. Additional new menu items include: Blue Crab Taquitos, a Big A** Nacho, Grilled Mahi-Mahi Taco, Vegan Chorizo Taco, Pierside Fish and Chips, Governor’s Tacos, and Churro Cheesecake Empanadas.

Some current menu items will no longer be available, such as the MTJ tortas, but signature favorites will still be available.

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